Father Goose (1964)

A gruffer then usual Cary Grant is a delight in this family comedy about a reluctant south pacific plane spotter in World War II, who finds himself even more reluctantly saddled with a woman and seven displaced school children from a foreign consulate. 'Father Goose' is a simple pleasure of a film, not always the most realistic, but a charming and nostalgic mid century family comedy which in a strange way is perfect counterprograming to the crises of today, or last Wednesday. The kids are good, Lelise Caron grew on me, and Trevor Howard's personal gravities is lightly and effectively deployed. Winner of a best screenplay Oscar I liked the sense that everyone was putting just a little extra effort in to make this thing work, and it sure paid off. ***1/2